CNA returns to downtown Syracuse

SYRACUSE — The local unit of CNA (NYSE: CNA), a Chicago–based commercial-insurance provider, on Aug. 12 opened its new 26,000-square-foot office space in AXA Tower II at 120 Madison St. in downtown Syracuse.

The move brought about 120 positions to downtown Syracuse, says Roy Orr, vice president for the east zone of commercial clients for CNA.

The move “is part of the CNA strategy to move closer to our customers and business partners,” Orr says.

“The AXA Towers provide the professional environment that aligns with our strategic vision,” he adds.

The firm now occupies the eighth and ninth floors of Tower II.

The move marks a return to downtown for the commercial-insurance provider.

Orr began with CNA when it previously operated in the iconic downtown office buildings when they had the name of Mutual of New York (MONY) in the early 1970s.

For the past five years, CNA had operated in a similar-size space at 443 Electronics Parkway in Salina, says Orr.

First Republic Corp. of America, headquartered in New York City, owns the building in which CNA previously operated, according to a firm spokesperson.

The firm worked with local broker to complete a market survey to determine the buildings that could accommodate its space requirements. CNA also sought a space that satisfied other criteria, such as proximity to agents, accessibility, parking, and other amenities, he added.

 “There were several buildings that we looked at,” Orr says.

CNA did not disclose the name of the local broker involved.

CNA has signed a five-year lease for its new space with AmTrust Realty Corp., which owns the AXA Towers. CBD Companies serves as the property manager for the AXA Towers.

Crews had moved furniture during the preceding weekend, and local employees reported to the new location to begin the new week on Monday, Aug. 12, Orr says.

CNA employees are utilizing the Harrison Parking Garage, across the street, for parking, Orr says.

Orr, who is based in the local office, has oversight for all of the firm’s claim centers on the East coast.

The Syracuse office, which supports CNA’s agents and underwrites commercial policies across the entire upstate New York area,also serves as the claims-processing center for the Northeast, Orr says.

CNA Financial Corp. on July 29 announced it earned $194 million, or 72 cents per share, during the second quarter that ended June 30. The figures compare with the $166 million, or 62 cents per share, during the same time period a year ago.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

SYRACUSE — The local unit of CNA (NYSE: CNA), a Chicago–based commercial-insurance provider, on Aug. 12 opened its new 26,000-square-foot office space in AXA Tower II at 120 Madison St. in downtown Syracuse.

The move brought about 120 positions to downtown Syracuse, says Roy Orr, vice president for the east zone of commercial clients for CNA.

The move “is part of the CNA strategy to move closer to our customers and business partners,” Orr says.

“The AXA Towers provide the professional environment that aligns with our strategic vision,” he adds.

The firm now occupies the eighth and ninth floors of Tower II.

The move marks a return to downtown for the commercial-insurance provider.

Orr began with CNA when it previously operated in the iconic downtown office buildings when they had the name of Mutual of New York (MONY) in the early 1970s.

For the past five years, CNA had operated in a similar-size space at 443 Electronics Parkway in Salina, says Orr.

First Republic Corp. of America, headquartered in New York City, owns the building in which CNA previously operated, according to a firm spokesperson.

The firm worked with local broker to complete a market survey to determine the buildings that could accommodate its space requirements. CNA also sought a space that satisfied other criteria, such as proximity to agents, accessibility, parking, and other amenities, he added.

 “There were several buildings that we looked at,” Orr says.

CNA did not disclose the name of the local broker involved.

CNA has signed a five-year lease for its new space with AmTrust Realty Corp., which owns the AXA Towers. CBD Companies serves as the property manager for the AXA Towers.

Crews had moved furniture during the preceding weekend, and local employees reported to the new location to begin the new week on Monday, Aug. 12, Orr says.

CNA employees are utilizing the Harrison Parking Garage, across the street, for parking, Orr says.

Orr, who is based in the local office, has oversight for all of the firm’s claim centers on the East coast.

The Syracuse office, which supports CNA’s agents and underwrites commercial policies across the entire upstate New York area,also serves as the claims-processing center for the Northeast, Orr says.

CNA Financial Corp. on July 29 announced it earned $194 million, or 72 cents per share, during the second quarter that ended June 30. The figures compare with the $166 million, or 62 cents per share, during the same time period a year ago.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com